Can someone explain this?

 

It's been very hot here in the UK - 33*C (92*F) and more.

I was out driving in the country; (because it is easier that riding a skateboard). I noticed on the hills on either side of me many of those so-called windmills or wind turbines. Hundreds of them. It was like a forest of windmills. No doubt there was a real forest here years ago which has now been replaced by these metal trees.

Guess what? None of them were turning round as you'd expect them to.

They were all as still as a dodo. Or as still as a statue, or whatever else is still.

Can you explain to me why in such a hot day the powers-that-be did not turn all these fans on and cool the place a bit?  

What is the point of spending a fortune building these monstrosities everywhere and when you need them most they are not switched on?

And guess what again? When it is windy as it sometimes is over here, all the fans are on. Admittedly, they don't go round very fast, but they are on. And no doubt wasting electricity having them on when we don't need them.

Can anyone explain all this to me?

How to read all classical literature fast

 

So many books and so little time to read them all. Have you read Chaucer's Canterbury Tales? The works of Shakespeare, War and Peace, Crime and Punishment, Jane Austin, Bronte, Dickens, Hemingway, Mark Twain and so many more?

It is getting more and more difficult to appear intelligent and well-read these days; never mind actually being intelligent and well-read.

There is an answer which could help. Here is a way for you to know every book it is worth knowing in one simple and quick read. Pick up a book and read it from cover-to-cover in one minute.  CLICK HERE

And if you have the same problem with all the movies you'd wish to have seen. CLICK HERE 

 CLICK HERE

Sapristi Alors!

 

Our church has one of those huge baptismal fonts made of stone or marble or such like material. Why it’s so big beats me. It’s an old church and I reckon babies in olden times must have been born really big which must have been an ordeal for their poor mothers. Either that or perhaps in olden times they put the whole baby in the font rather than just wet his head.

Anyway, that aside, it has become a habit in our church to baptise babies during Sunday Mass rather than at a private service at some other time. Just after reading the Gospel, the priest moves to one side near the font and baptises the child whilst the whole congregation witnesses and joins in the event. It’s rather nice I think.

This week Father Gaston celebrated Mass. He is a temporary priest whilst our priest is away. He is French, very tall and thin, with a severe looking face and a gaze that would turn you into stone before you even thought of sinning. He talks in a monosyllabic conversation only used on rare occasions when he has something to say.

He also uses reading spectacles which he balances precariously on the end of his long aquiline nose; and looks at you from above them whilst speaking to you. I believe he looks at people from over the glasses so as not to wear out the lenses.

He stood by the font reading from his book whilst the proud parents and god-parents waited patiently as they handed the baby to each other. He was a lively little mite; the baby that is … about eight or nine months old. You could hear him gurgling and laughing throughout the Mass.

At the appropriate moment the mother held him on top of the font and as Father Gaston poured water on the child’s head, the child raised his hand out and hit the priest in the face knocking the spectacles in the font.

The priest stopped and said something in French which is not in my official Church Prayer Book. He then reached into the font for his glasses forgetting that his vestments had long and wide sleeves.

He withdrew his hand and put the wet glasses on. As water dripped on his face he realised his sleeve was soaking wet. He tried as best as he could, with as little dignity as remained in the situation, to squeeze the water from his sleeve back into the font. He then dried his face and glasses; and continued with the Baptism.

I felt sorry for the poor parents.

But not so much for Father Gaston.

Pentecost

 

Today is the feast of Pentecost. 

John 14:15-17 ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, because He abides with you, and He will be in you.'

 

Pentecost is a Christian festival celebrated the 49th day (the seventh Sunday) after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks. Acts 2:1-31.

 

The Apostles and others were gathered together in a house in fear of the authorities. Suddenly there's a mighty sound and flames of fire on their heads. The Holy Spirit, the third person in the Trinity, descended on them and became one with their very souls.

Their soul and the Holy Spirit were one. And this union of the human and the Divine manifested itself in many ways. For a start they all had the courage to speak up. They were no longer afraid. These very people who days before had ran away when Jesus was arrested, suddenly gained new courage given them by the Holy Spirit.

 

They knew the truth about Jesus and His Resurrection and they were no longer afraid to keep the secret to themselves. They had the courage to stand up and shout their truth to all willing to hear. They were not afraid of the consequences.

 

And what's more, by receiving the Holy Spirit the followers of Jesus gained a new ability as well as courage. They were all able to speak in different languages that up to then they knew nothing about. There were many people in Jerusalem at the time and they heard the followers of Jesus speak to them in their own language and proclaiming the truth about Christ and His Resurrection.

 

To the early Christians, the Holy Spirit was real indeed. They had experienced the power of the Holy Spirit. They received Him at Pentecost in tongues of fire and they were able to speak to the crowds that gathered in different languages. This was not something they had read about in the scriptures and the writings of the prophets. This was real indeed. They experienced it personally and had the courage to tell everyone about it. Just like you would do, if some supernatural experience happened to you.

Because the disciples had experienced the Holy Spirit, He became such a force in their lives, giving them strength to spread the Good News that Jesus had taught them, enabling them to live as Jesus had lived. 

It was they who handed on to us this mystery that in one God there are three Persons. Because they had experienced it in their lives. They had met Jesus and came to accept Him as the Son of God, and now they had also experienced the power of the Holy Spirit.

With the passage of time, the story of Pentecost, or more precisely, the significance and understanding of receiving the Holy Spirit, has been diluted over the years.

 

The reality is that we can all receive the Holy Spirit into our souls today. All we have to do is to believe it is possible; and to sincerely ask God to send us the Holy Spirit.

Radio Talk-Show

 

Radio Presenter: Hi, you are listening to VSEM Radio and this is Vic M hosting this week's Talk-Show. Who's our first caller on line 1?

Caller 1: Hello ... this is Ivor Blast ... I don't know how to begin.

Vic M: Tell us what's on your mind Ivor.

Caller 1: As a newly married man, I get embarrassed when I go to the rest room and break wind noisily. My wife could hear me. What do you suggest I do?

Vic M: Such foods like beans, sprouts and cabbage tend to create gaseous substances therein which need to come out noisily. I suggest you take a radio or music player with you to the rest room and play it loudly to cover up any  unwanted sounds. I recommend playing "Blowing in the wind" by Bob Dylan is very effective in this respect. Who's our next caller?

Caller 2: I'm afraid this is a medical problem ...

Vic M: Don't worry caller; tell us what it is and we'll try to help you, or perhaps look it up on Google for you. What's your problem?

Caller 2: Whenever I drink tea or coffee I get a very sharp pain in my eye.  

Vic M: Take the damn spoon out of the cup you fool and stop wasting our time. Next caller?

Caller 3: This is Robert ... We live in an apartment block and the walls here are too thin. To get straight to the point - at night we hear the young couple living in the apartment next to us making very personal noises from their bedroom. What do you suggest we do?

Vic M: A tricky problem this which should be tackled with tact and diplomacy. I suggest that you and your wife or girl-friend make similar louder noises at night. This will have two possible results. Either your neighbours will realise the walls are too thin and tone down their love-making; or you'll make some new friends! Next caller please? 

Caller 4: Help me please ... this is Denise ... I'm all alone here ... I heard your late night show on the car radio. The car has broken down in Walton Woods and I phoned the Car Rescue Company but they are taking too long to arrive. I'm frightened .... on my own ... there are noises in the woods.

Vic M: You are not alone Denise. I know Walton Woods well; many people believe they are haunted because of ancient historical battles which took place there. Personally I think this is nonsense. Some people think aliens from outer-space frequent those woods in search of people to abduct and dissect. Do you believe in aliens or ghosts Denise? Denise ... are you there? Denise ... oh well, perhaps her car started working again. Next caller please?

Caller 5: Is Martin there?

Vic M: Martin ? Martin who?

Caller 5: Oh sorry ... I think I got the wrong number ... I was looking for my husband Martin and I'm ringing his friends ...

Vic M: Well I assure you he's not here. I'll move the microphone all round the studio ... you can't hear him because he is not here ... ... ... (voice of woman crying). Honestly ... he is not here ...

Caller 5: I think he is with another woman ... (crying) ... I have found articles of women's under-clothing in the car. He started wearing Cologne after-shave again and flossing his teeth and changes socks every day. Do you think he is having an affair? (Crying).

Vic M: Many men floss their teeth ... look ... I think you and Martin should have an honest talk.

Caller 5: You mean I should tell him that our three kids are not his?

Vic M: Ehm ... well ... I did not know that ... 

Caller 5: Actually ... I am phoning on behalf of a friend ...

Vic M: In that case you should ask your friend where Martin is ... Personally I think ... (She hangs up). Hello ... are you still there? I think she's gone ... Who do we have on line 2?

Caller 6: Hi this is Martin. I just heard your conversation with my wife. I can assure you those kids are mine. I know when and where they were conceived because my twin brother told me. (Line goes dead). 

Vic M: Well I never ...

Caller 7: You must have surely ... anyway ... nice show so far!

Vic M: Ehm ... I didn't realise the microphone was on. Who is this?

Caller 7: It is Albert Einstein; have you seen my brother Frank?

Vic M: Frank? No I haven't seen him. What do you want to talk about Albert?

Caller 7: I want to explain to your listeners my Theory of Relativity. The richer a man is the more relatives will attend his funeral.

Vic M: Thank you Albert. And on this note we end tonight's Talk-Show. This is Vic M on VSEM Radio saying goodbye and God bless.

Forget the Magic Lamp

 

We bought an air-fryer recently. Before plugging it in I read all the instructions carefully. Then I got it ready and tried "frying" my own style of KFC. 

As soon as I switched the fryer on there was a loud bang, sparks everywhere and the kitchen was filled with red smoke which slowly formed into a human being - a genie! 

I jumped out of my skin. It took me a while to settle down. Looking at him. I must admit I did not like his minuscule loin cloth one bit. It upset our dog who ran in his bed. Normally when I tell him "Go to bed" he plays dumb and asks "Who's Ted?" But not this time! 

As I settled a bit I heard myself say, "Who the **** are you?" 

The creature said, "Greetings master, I am your genie. You have three wishes, what is your command?"  

"For a start I need a change of clothing because I've just soiled myself," I replied.  

Immediately I was in brand new set of clothing made by one of the best haute couturier you can name.

"Your wish is my command," said the genie, "what is your second wish?" 

"Hey, wait a minute," I said, "don't take me too literally!"

"Your wish is my command," he continued, "what is your third wish?"

"Just let me think ..." I muttered and regretted it immediately.   

"Your wish is my command," he repeated, "I have now fulfilled my obligation and shall leave!"

"Hold it right there you insignificant offshoot from a faulty electrical appliance," I said angrily having consulted my Roget's Thesaurus to construct such and eloquent sentence; "hold it right there ... you can't suddenly appear in a puff of smoke and pollute my kitchen and then depart without a bye or leave. You made me waste my three wishes. I demand a recount!"

He stopped and thought and then said, "Let me ask my elder."

"Your elder?" I asked.

"Yes ... the genie of the microwave oven. Microwave ovens were invented before air-fryers so he is older than me."

He turned into red smoke swirling round like a mini tornado, then turned orange and then green. He appeared again and said, "My elder has allowed one more wish, but it should be made by one of your Blogger friends and he will choose the best!"

So it's over to you folks. What is your wish to the genie of the air-fryer - or is it the genie of the microwave oven?

The Christian Lounge

 

 

 

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Faith is not enough

 

In Hebrews Chapter 11 we read: To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see.

But what does that really mean? What is it like to have faith, and not only to believe in a living God, Creator of all and everything, but also to be certain in that belief? Without any proof, or evidence whatsoever.

It’s as if to have faith is to believe when your common sense tells you not to.

Often Jesus said to people He has healed: Your faith has healed you. Your faith has saved you.

He taught that if we had faith as small as a mustard seed we could perform miracles.

We read in Mark 9:24 that when a father asked Jesus to heal his son, he said: I believe, Lord; help my unbelief. Jesus took pity on him and realised that the man had some faith, perhaps not enough, but at least he had some; so Jesus healed the man’s son.

This leads us to ask: Is faith enough?

We may have faith, to varying degrees, depending on who we are. But is this enough?

After all, even the devil has faith. He believes in God all-right. He even tried to tempt Jesus often enough. This proves that he has faith, and believes in God. Perhaps more than we do.

So, if faith is not enough; what is missing in our relationship with God?

Trust.

Let us consider trust for a moment. A little child does not question whether his parents care for him or not. It is intrinsically part of his nature to take it for granted that his parents love him and will take care of him. When he asks them for bread they will not give him a stone, and when he asks for fish they will not give him a serpent.

The child trusts his parents and will continue to do so as he grows up; until one day someone may betray that trust and then he’ll become more wary of those around him.

So how about us? Is our faith in God matched with an unshakeable trust that He cares for us, and no matter what happens, no matter how bad things are in our lives, He is there, beside us, all the time caring for us and ready to see us through whatever crisis we face.

Can you imagine the amount of self-control and concentration of thought we should have to believe, really believe, that not matter what happens, we trust that God loves us and cares for us enough to protect us from all evil?

Such level of trust may well be beyond what many of us can achieve; but it should not stop us from trying. Through gritted teeth even. We should pray, over and again, that we trust God that He will see us through this dark period in our lives.

Faith, no matter how great or small, as much as half a mustard seed even, may not be enough. It needs to be accompanied by an unfailing trust that our loving God will never ever let us down.

It is no point having faith in a Master who walks on water if we do not trust Him enough to follow Him.

Death in a taxi

 

DEATH IN A TAXI by Victor S E Moubarak  
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8264737794

When you take a taxi, all you expect is to be taken where you wish to go without fuss or incident. Not so for Father Ignatius. On his taxi ride home from the railway station the last thing he expected was to get involved in a shooting in which there was loss of life.

At first, there was no clue as to who carried out the murder, nor the motive for such a horrendous act. Everyone was a suspect, including Father Ignatius himself. Was he involved in the murder, or was he the target of the attack?

This is a tale of mystery and intrigue with a twist at every turn and a conspiracy of lies and perverse motives. Father Ignatius finds himself embroiled in a dire situation not of his making and a dilemma as to what he should do next. It is a fine line for a priest between pursuing the course of justice and maintaining a priestly responsibility and demeanour when so much is at stake.

Despite his personal problems, the amiable priest continues to dispense good and charitable advice to his flock; advice which he should perhaps be inclined to follow himself.

As this story develops, the real motives behind the killings, and the perpetrators of the crimes, will become clearer and will astound readers. Will justice be served? Not just here on earth but in the eyes of God too.

This book will challenge your thinking on many issues regarding your faith and beliefs, whatever they are.

DEATH IN A TAXI is available in paperback and Kindle versions from AMAZON and all good bookshops.

AMAZON LINK HERE

AMAZON REVIEWS:

 Again Father Ignatius is in a bit of a pickle, always a great story line, worth reading again. Would recommend this writer 100% - Catherine

 Another winner! Not only has the author spun a great "who done it" -- he so skillfully colored the characters (that) I could visualize each scene playing out in my head. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! - Myra G

 Mr. Moubarak once again presented a heartwarming story about Fr. Ignatius and the good people of his parish. I always enjoy how the author always slips in between the mysteries a question of a religious nature for the reader to contemplate, but it never feels preachy. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes light mysteries. - Patt O'Neil

AMAZON LINK HERE

Don't traumatise your pets

I read an article the other day about pets, and I'd like your views. The writer said that we confuse and even shock our pets if we suddenly act out of character. They are used to a norm and a sudden change of behaviour confuses them.

The article said if you undress in front of your cat or dog he's likely to wonder what is going on. He's never seen you with no clothes on, has he? This gives the pet quite a shock because they discover things they've never seen before. The pet's whole view of you has suddenly changed.

The article mentioned someone showering and the cat walked in the bathroom. He soon ran away up the curtain at what he'd seen.

Apparently, most pets are affected by sudden changes in circumstances. Goldfish for instance, or birds in a cage like a parrot, are very confused when you switch the TV On or Off, or turn the room lights On or Off and also sudden noises like music playing on the radio. 

My thoughts wondered about undressing in-front of the goldfish - I don't have one!

When looking through the goldfish bowl everything a fish sees is out of proportion and looks bigger than it really is because of the curvature of the glass bowl and the water. So when you're standing in front of your goldfish ... ... ...

At this point my thoughts were doing somersaults, as I suspect yours are doing right now! 

Then I had another thought. Can the souls of dead people see us and what we do? Even when you're in the shower?

What do you think? Do you undress in front of your pets?

Searching for talent

In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) we read about a rich man who gives three of his slaves some talents. He then goes away on a journey and on his return he calls the slaves to see what they did with the talents. 

In those days, a talent was a lot of money; about 20 years of wages. So it is right that the master expected something in return from his investments.  

When he gets back from his travels he discovers that two slaves have increased the sum given to them, whereas the other has just buried his coin (talent) and returned it intact with no interest.

In this story the rich man represents Jesus. When He returns in His second coming on earth He will call us all and ask us what we did with the talents God has given us. 

We all have God-given talents. How do we use them, and do we share them for the benefit of others? 

There will always be someone worse off than us. Someone who is poor in material things, someone poor in spirit, poor in health, poor in education or even poor in Faith. 

We all have a responsibility to use our talents for the benefit of others.  

If we are financially rich, we should give to those who have not.

If we are in good health, we should help those who are sick. 

If we are clever or intelligent we should be more tolerant towards those not as bright as us and help educate them where we can.

And if our Faith is strong, we should help and pray for those who falter and fail in their walk with the Lord.

Whatever our talents are, do we use them to glorify God and for the benefit of others? 

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Love

 

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (Corinthians 13:4 onwards)

This passage from the Bible is read in a lot of wedding ceremonies.

But sadly, when things start to go wrong and difficulties lead to separations and divorce, it is soon forgotten.

It reminds me of the story of the man who said,"my wife introduced me to religion; I never knew what hell was until I married her!"

Mind you, the comment also applies to husbands, not just wives.

Love is a commitment. It is a decision we make, not just a feeling when we first meet someone and get to "like" them and want to be with them. 

I guess it is easier to love someone we don't know than someone we have lived with for sometime and got to know their failings.

Love is a vocation. Whether we are married, single, widowed, divorced or separated; love is a decision that we make.

Love is another word for caring. Caring for our partners, our family, our community or whoever. If we are single we can still care for others by the way we behave. 

Caring means doing something about it; not just sympathising from a distance and feeling sorry.

The greatest example of love is: 

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

I think perhaps we should replace the word "whosoever" with our name. Try it. See how it feels.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that if Victor believes in Him he should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

We are each loved by God individually. Can we love others as He has loved us?

As for me ... I think love is eating the last piece of pizza to help my wife lose weight.